Sarah Graves
Columbus
Summary
Compliance Specialist with over 10 years of extensive expertise in property management and regulatory adherence, proficient in LIHTC, HUD, and Fair Housing regulations. Demonstrates a keen ability to streamline processes through effective auditing and documentation, utilizing tools like Yardi and Microsoft Suite to enhance operational efficiency. Committed to fostering strong tenant relations and optimizing compliance programs to ensure seamless audits and regulatory compliance.
Overview
11
11
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Compliance Specialist
FPI Management
07.2024 - Current
- Monitor the program compliance of assigned portfolio (housing programs vary by property and assigned portfolio)
- Assist with UA information updates, rent/income limits and annual adjustments in software
- Monitor the ongoing compliance of program requirements including timely annual certification process, Income limit updates, Max rent limits, Excess Rents, Set-asides, various Service agreements
- Assist in monitoring proper selection from the Waitlist, maintaining proper set-aside requirements, Income Targeting, VAWA, and EIV reporting (if applicable)
- Assist with internal FPI Manager Certification updates with direction from Compliance Director
- Maintain positive, professional and effective communication with onsite staff, Portfolio Managers and Compliance team members
- Keep immediate supervisor informed concerning work progress, including present and potential work problems and suggestions for new or improved ways of addressing such problems
- Timely update of all internal tracking systems
- Provide timely responses and reports to clients and various agencies
- Assist during the initial qualifying process of NEW construction lease-up properties and/or acquisition/rehab of existing properties
- Assist in obtaining and review applicable Regulatory agreements for proper setup of software and internal systems/trackers
- Attend and/or monitor coverage, preparation and responses due to State or Federal agencies audits
- Provide affordable program compliance support to onsite staff
- Provide compliance training to onsite staff at the direction of the Compliance Director
- Remote
Compliance Manager
Common Living Inc
04.2023 - 05.2024
- Oversee income-restricted compliance programs to ensure efficiency and adherence to regulations.
- Interface with program participants and property owners for interviews, paperwork collection, and issue resolution.
- Determine income eligibility for affordable housing admissions across multiple jurisdictions.
- Coordinate with applicants, state agencies, and internal departments for processing vacancies and renewals.
- Audit rent, income, assets, leases, and required paperwork for certification and recertification.
- Maintain tenant files and computer records as per HUD, LIHTC, state, and local regulations.
- Implement remedial strategies for non-compliant programs.
- Develop and implement training programs and seminars for employees. Oversee compliance programs to enhance operational efficiency, achieving full adherence to regulations and reducing audit discrepancies.
- Remote
Traveling Recertification Specialist
Fairstead
01.2022 - 02.2023
- Scheduled occupancy cycles, enhancing tenant satisfaction and compliance.
- Conducted certifications, ensuring regulatory adherence and efficient processes.
- Maintained records, improving data accuracy and accessibility.
- Prepared move-in packages, streamlining resident onboarding.
- Assisted with housing programs, boosting compliance and resident support.
- Coordinated initial and annual certifications for all units, ensuring compliance with housing regulations and fostering trust with residents.
- Maintained accurate office records and tenant files, aligning with Fairstead regulations and supporting seamless audits.
- Remote
Assistant Housing Manager
The Housing Authority of Columbus Georgia
Columbus, GA
08.2018 - 08.2021
- Managed resident files, ensuring HUD compliance and timely annual recertifications.
- Audited files for precision, addressing resident inquiries and concerns effectively.
- Conducted move-in inspections, managed delinquent accounts, monitored lease violations.
- Represented Housing Authority in grievance hearings and court proceedings.
- Enhanced resident satisfaction through proactive problem-solving and support.
Property Manager
Heritage Place Apartments
Columbus, GA
05.2017 - 02.2018
- Screened applicants, explained leases, and analyzed financials for informed decisions.
- Implemented marketing strategies, resulting in high occupancy rates.
- Oversaw maintenance team, ensuring timely repairs and tenant satisfaction.
- Managed software systems, enhancing operational efficiency.
Leasing Agent
Bickerstaff Parham Real Estate
Columbus, GA
03.2015 - 05.2017
- Processed applications, analyzed financials, ensuring tenant suitability.
- Communicated with homeowners, enhancing property management efficiency.
- Utilized Appfolio, Gmail, Docusign, Zipform for seamless operations.
- Processed new applicants by analyzing financial information, enhancing approval efficiency and reducing turnaround time.
- Communicated effectively with homeowners, addressing concerns and fostering strong relationships to boost client satisfaction.
Education
Bachelor of Business Administration -
Columbus State University
Columbus, GA12.2015
High School Diploma - undefined
Columbus High School
Columbus, GA05.2009
Skills
- Property Management
- LIHTC
- HUD
- Section 8
- Fair Housing
- Yardi
- Entrata
- G-Suite
- Microsoft Suite
- Compliance
- Tenant Relations
- Documentation
- Auditing
Certification
- Housing Choice Voucher Specialist - Housing Authority
- Low Income Tax Credit Plus Blended Compliance Certification - LIHTC
Timeline
Compliance Specialist
FPI Management
07.2024 - Current
Compliance Manager
Common Living Inc
04.2023 - 05.2024
Traveling Recertification Specialist
Fairstead
01.2022 - 02.2023
Assistant Housing Manager
The Housing Authority of Columbus Georgia
08.2018 - 08.2021
Property Manager
Heritage Place Apartments
05.2017 - 02.2018
Leasing Agent
Bickerstaff Parham Real Estate
03.2015 - 05.2017
High School Diploma - undefined
Columbus High School
Bachelor of Business Administration -
Columbus State University